New Book Examines a Global Missions Dilemma
Has the Great Commission become a low priority in American churches? Here’s what recent research shows.
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Last updated on
October 15, 2025
What hinders us from sharing God’s love with those who desperately need it? Pioneers partnered with Sixteen:Fifteen and commissioned the Barna Group to conduct a groundbreaking nationwide survey of American Protestant pastors to uncover the answers. This research also led to new book, The Sending Shepherd: Leading Churches to Disciple All Nations, by Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison.
To get a taste, read a case study included in the book, Becoming Mission Driven: How One Church Made the Shift.
What do pastors really think about missions?
The survey, titled U.S. Protestant Pastors and Missions: A Look Into the Expectations and Priorities of Pastors in the American Church Today, asked more than 400 pastors about the status of current barriers, attitudes and beliefs relating to mobilizing their churches for missions.
“We wanted to know if global missions was either a ‘part’ or at the ‘heart’ of today’s Church,” said Matthew Ellison of Sixteen:Fifteen. “As challenging as some of the data looks, we also saw several strengths and opportunities for the Church to build on so that one day all nations, tribes and tongues will have heard the good news of Jesus Christ.”
For example, the research showed,
- 98% of pastors agree that the Great Commission is a mandate for all Christians.
- 82% of pastors report having direct decision-making authority over missions in their churches.
- 74% of pastors express strong passion for fulfilling the Great Commission.
- 62% of pastors often preach on reaching people who need Jesus.
- Over half of churches dedicate a portion of their annual budget to missions.
The Sending Shepherd, published in September 2025, analyzes the survey findings and includes real-world stories from pastors and missions leaders who have witnessed church-wide transformation after aligning with God’s plan for the world.
The entire survey results are available for free on the book website.
Want to learn more? Visit The Sending Shepherd website to purchase the book or download the report.
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Take the next step
Talk to our Church Partnerships Team about helping your church grow its foundation for global missions.
Why should we go through all the effort, trouble and expense of leaving home to preach the gospel all around the world? Why missions? Read five reasons.
Hear pastor Dusty Thompson describe how Redeemer Church of Lubbock sends people to the nations.
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